BEING AN EFFECTIVE CHANGE AGENT:

WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

Steve Schenck

Center on Innovation and Improvement

The Necessary First Step: Build Trust

Early on, change agents will…

…scan the learning environment…keep their mouth closed, mostly, and LISTEN…build relationships with those who impact student learning

The Necessary First Step: Build Trust

Early on change agents will…

…arrive on-site earlier and leave later than school and/or district staff…model a strong, professional work ethic to the staff (walk the walk)…plan quick, authentic wins

Embrace the Negative

This may seem counterintuitive

This will, at first, feel uncomfortable

Do not burn one bridge

Choose no side (or appear so)

More of the Counterintuitive

The right thing…

More of the Counterintuitive

…at the wrong time…

More of the Counterintuitive

…is the wrong thing!

Build and Maintain One’s Circle of Strength

Someone MUST be the calm, civil, professional adult, even in the most dysfunctional environments

Someone must find the time and discipline to be reflective and forward thinking

Take Risks

Create and control disequilibrium in the organization, be it school, district, SEA or RCC

If no one in the organization is feeling really uncomfortable, a change agent or transformational leader is not doing their job. (Tears required)

Why? In low-performing schools…

…teachers are inexperienced and/or weak.

…leaders are inexperienced and/or weak.

…the kids need change agents to intervene on their blessed behalf.

If you want to find yourself…

…lose yourself in service to others.

Thank You